Dolls Festival (or Hina-matsuri in Japanese) is a Japanese cultural event with a splash of colours and elegance. It is held on the third of March to wish children a healthy and happy life. Historically, it is developed from native animism (a belief that all things have a soul or a spirit) and then combined with lavish and flamboyant styles from Chinese dynasty.

In this talk, the attendees will learn the origin and purpose of some of the customs practised on and around Dolls Festival, so that they can anticipate and appreciate the joyous day much more.

Along with the talk, there will be a Japanese sweet making lesson to learn how to make sakura mochi, sweet rice balls with sweet bean paste in centre, using cherry blossom flower and leaf. The sweet is typically eaten on Dolls Festival. Cherry blossom tea will be also served.